Italian Wedding Soup at Cucina Mia in Castleton Corners is a specialty of the house. This hearty Sicilian brew is made with pastina, miniature meatballs and diced vegetables. While Cucina Mia is not serving that today --- boo --- we're seeing three other decent soups --- yay: Lobster and shrimp bisque, spicy crabmeat and tortilla soup and chicken tortellini

The casual eat in-take out restaurant is located across the street from Alfonso's Bakery at 1903 Victory Blvd., 718-815-0097.

French Onion Soup at Zest in Rosebank, open for dinner only, is an excellent version of the stuff. I do think it's the best on the Island at the moment. Why is that? Well, onion soup, the real deal, should be made with a veal stock and topped with melted gruyere cheese. It's always nice to see this served in a traditional crock. As far as I'm concerned, mozzarella is a flavorless shortcut. A pet peeve on onion soups: When the chef subs a chicken stock or bouillion for a genuine beef stock.

Zest is located at 977 Bay St., Rosebank; 718-390-8477

SI Advance File PhotoZest has a very good onion soup au gratin.

Today Jody's in West Brighton is serving split with ham.

Jody's Club Forest, 372 Forest Ave., West Brighton; 718-727-6338

SI Advance File PhotoJody's serves burgers and some hearty soups.

For seriously good autumn-type foods, Polish is the way to go. The Polish Place in Tompkinsville always has a few soups on tap. Today they're serving four kinds: Split pea, meat-barley, cucumber (served hot) and mushroom varieties.

The Polish Place is located at 17 Corson Ave., Tompkinsville; 718-442-8909.

SI Advance File PhotoPotato pancakes from the Polish Place in Tompkinsville. Can you smell those babies cooking? Mmm.

The deli is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.